Key facts
- Taras Kachka appointed Ukraine's ambassador to the EU in Brussels.
- Vsevolod Chentsov appointed deputy prime minister for European integration.
- The appointments are part of a wartime reshuffle of senior portfolios.
- Kachka will also serve as Ukraine's trade representative to the EU.
- Ukraine has opened two EU enlargement negotiating clusters.
- EU officials have expressed concerns about the pace of Ukraine's reforms.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a reshuffle of key EU-facing roles, appointing Taras Kachka as the new ambassador to the European Union in Brussels. Kachka, formerly the deputy prime minister in charge of European integration, will also serve as Ukraine's trade representative to the EU. He takes over from Vsevolod Chentsov, a career diplomat who will assume Kachka's previous position as deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
This change is part of a broader wartime reshuffle of senior government positions. Kachka's appointment comes as Ukraine navigates its EU membership bid, having recently opened two negotiating clusters. However, progress on necessary reforms has been slow, with EU officials expressing concern. Kachka has voiced "disappointment" over a perceived lack of urgency among some EU countries but is working to address outstanding issues, particularly regarding the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.
Kachka and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos previously issued a joint statement outlining ten steps for Ukraine to complete by the end of 2026. Zelenskyy expressed confidence in Kachka's ability to effectively manage relations with the EU institutions from Brussels.